KT Unveils 'E2E Quantum Security' to Enhance Network Security in the AI and Quantum Era

Jeong Je-min, Senior Vice President of KT's Network AI Research, explains future network security concepts at a special session during the Korean Society of Communication's Summer Conference held in Jeju on June 19. [Photo: KT]

KT has introduced its future network security concept, 'E2E Quantum Security,' designed to address changes in AI and quantum technology. As AI-based attacks become more sophisticated and quantum computing poses a threat to existing encryption systems, KT has outlined a comprehensive security strategy for its communication infrastructure.

The announcement was made on June 21, following a special session at the Korean Society of Communication's Summer Conference held from June 17 to 19 at the Haevichi Hotel & Resort in Jeju. Jeong Je-min, Senior Vice President of KT's Network AI Research, led the presentation.

During the presentation, KT explained that AI technology is being utilized for vulnerability detection and automated attacks, evolving autonomously and changing the existing network security paradigm. The company also highlighted that advancements in quantum computing could undermine the security of current public key encryption systems. Traditionally, while anyone can encrypt data, only specific users can decrypt it. However, with quantum computers, decryption could become feasible, according to KT.

KT also proposed measures to counter these threats. The E2E Quantum Security initiative aims to apply quantum technology across key infrastructures, including data transmission paths, network equipment, AI data centers, and cloud services. The initiative comprises three core technologies: a 'Quantum Link' to protect data transmission between customers and networks, a 'Quantum Node' to detect vulnerabilities and anomalies in network equipment and operations, and a 'Quantum Vault' to safeguard data throughout its lifecycle—from creation to storage, utilization, and deletion.

The special session also addressed various security issues related to network operations, including vulnerabilities in 5G and LTE mobile environments, wireless attack techniques, security problems in device, wireless protocol, and service composition processes, zero-trust security systems, and security strategies for telecommunications companies in the AI era.

Lee Jong-sik, Executive Vice President of KT's Future Network Lab, stated, "This special session was an opportunity to share AI-based security technologies and KT's vision for future network security in response to continuously evolving cyberattacks. We will continue to enhance the stability and reliability of future networks based on our capabilities in AI and quantum technology."

* This article has been translated by AI.